Best Leeds XI Since The Premier League – Your Verdict

For the last ten days fans have been voting on the website for their favourite players at Leeds since we were relegated from the Premier League, and after thousands of votes and various debates we can now confirm the team that has been picked by you, the fans, and what a team it is. Thank you to everyone for voting, here is your team.

Best Leeds XI Since the Premier League

Head Coach – Garry Monk

Garry Monk smashed the votes, seeing off Simon Grayson in the head to head. Monk is on the brink of taking us to the play-offs for the first time since our return to the Championship and if that isn’t a stat enough, he’s done it in one season.

Goalkeeper – Kasper Schmeichel

A Premier League winner since leaving Leeds, a Premier League winner with the Championship club we sold him to not that long ago. A wonderful shot stopper and a player who helped us establish ourselves back in the Championship. Destined to move on from Leicester City in the coming years.

Right Back – Garry Kelly

The tightest vote of the lot. Garry Kelly won marginally, beating Luke Ayling to the right back spot in the end. The Leeds United skipper at times in the Championship but has the hearts of the Leeds fans for his contribution in the Premier League and European days.

Centre Back – Lucas Radebe

Another who has the hearts of the Leeds United fans and that carried him into the side. Barely kicked a ball but was still with the club in his last years as we entered the Championship. My favourite ever Leeds United player and I’m not alone.

Centre Back – Pontus Jansson

Jansson celebrates with fans after late winner at Blackburn

Jansson came in second but it wasn’t close to third, Kyle Bartley a long way behind the Swedish international. Since arriving Jansson has turned the defence around with the help of Bartley, Ayling and Berardi, to the point where Leeds’ have their own war chant with the four of them.

Left Back – Charlie Taylor

One of only three current players to make the side. Taylor didn’t have much competition in all honesty, the left back position has been a problem area for a long time, Stephen Warnock came in at second but not close to the home grown Taylor.

Right Wing – Robert Snodgrass

Snoddy, skipper, quality player and one that was good enough for the PL when he left

No surprise here then. Snoddy arrived from Scottish Championship side Livingston for £150k under McAllister and had a brilliant time at the club. At times a one man team towards the end as he was the skipper, goalscorer and leader, eventually Ken Bates couldn’t resist the pathetic £3.5 million offered by Norwich City. Now at West Ham United.

Central Midfield – Jonny Howson

Local lad who came into the side and ended up leaving after a few years as captain of the club. A goalscoring midfielder who had it all in his locker. One of the most disappointing departures under Ken Bates, sold for peanuts to Norwich City. Top quality at Championship level and a brilliant and important player for Leeds United in the League One back to Championship era.

Central Midfield – Fabian Delph

I must admit I expected to see Adam Clayton or Erik Bakke make the team but neither did as Fabian Delph came in behind fellow local lad Jonny Howson. Forget his spell on loan he made this team because of his immense talent at the young age of 16. Gone on to play for England and now at Manchester City.

Left Wing – Max Gradel

Again, like Snodgrass not a surprise at all that Gradel made this team. During his time at Leeds he became of one the best footballers outside of the Premier League and had he not joined St. Etienne in the top French league it would have been a Premier League move before long. A handful, goalscorer and a firm favourite at Leeds. Huge player when we were promoted back to the Championship.

Striker – Chris Wood

Won the vote but not by loads. Chris Wood is a new man this season under the stewardship of Garry Monk and James Beattie. Hard to put your finger on why but he says he knows the answer, http://peacockandsmiley.com/3669/wood-explains-fantastic-form-this-season/. Scores every type of goal and is currently the best striker outside of the Premier League. The third player of the current side to make the team here.

Striker – Jermaine Beckford

Picture says it all

As nailed on as they come. Beckford was the key man in League One when we looked to come back to the Championship and he delivered. A Leeds hero amongst fans still and will always hold that title. Scored bags of goals in every season, including the winner for promotion, the winner at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, two and White Heart Lane…need I go on. Beckford and Wood both in their prime together would be too much for any Championship defence.

About Author

Born in Gibraltar, raised in Scotland from a very young age. Been a huge fan of Leeds United since I could walk and talk, thanks to my Dad, the English half of me. After a few years in Australia I moved to Leeds, the trips from Scotland down to the city a few times a season didn't cut it. Love the city. Love the people, and the 12 hour round trip to Elland Road is about a 20 minute round trip. Love writing about the club, the more I write the more I feel comfortable doing it. As long as it's enjoyable I'll continue to do so, keep looking to step it up and progress as well. Leeds United is more than just a football team for me, as is it with so many others.

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